The Crochet Crowd Nutcracker and Igloo exhibit was a tremendous hit at the Creativ Festival in October 2015.
Four of us, Michael Sellick, Daniel Zondervan, Kevin Price, and Karen Price, took three months to complete these nutcrackers.
Our complete gallery, covering the behind-the-scenes of making our structures to the milestones of creating the Nutcrackers, is available for you to see how we did it. View our Nutcracker Gallery.
The free pattern for the construction is by Sean Meighan from Colorado. Originally made for a church display in 2011.
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The stitchwork applied to the nutcrackers were mostly free-formed and customized to the frame itself. It took us just one day to make both of the frames for our nutcrackers.
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All of the edges were taped to prevent the yarn from snagging on the frame's raw edges. The nutcrackers are perfectly balanced down the centre of the standing drum, so they don't tip over, even when bumped. It's a solid construction design.
For transport, we left the bottom neck down as one unit and the head as a separate unit when moving the item to make it easier for the vehicle. The head sits on top of the neck without needing to be bolted in.
Themes
The outfits were made on the go without much thought to design. At the same time, we did have a hand sketch by Daniel to work from. We used his sketch to keep the costumes similar. Colours and stitching techniques were decided on a whim as we crocheted the outfits.
Daniel, a professional musician, played the violin for this particular story. The video below represents the story, but Daniel didn't perform in it. Daniel understood the storyline and the music's beauty to develop the concept of the themes for our nutcrackers.
To most guests, we surprised them with our calculated theme. Each of the nutcrackers represents Act 1 and Act 2 of the Nutcracker Ballet Suite.
Our Green Nutcracker - Act 1
The Nutcracker starts off as a toy in Act 1, and therefore, our Nutcracker has the toy appearance, as you can tell by the face. His costume is decorative, with cross-stitching details on the lapels in playful toy colours. In Act One, there was falling snow, a Christmas party, and the battle of the Nutcracker and Mouse King. On the top hat, you can find elements of the story with the toy soldiers, snare-playing rabbits, and mice.
By the end of Act 1, the Nutcracker defeats the Mouse King and transforms into a prince. Therefore, our second Nutcracker looks more human as he is now the prince.
Our Purple Nutcrackers - Act 2
In Act 2, the Nutcracker is now a prince leading the dreaming girl to the land of sweets. His costume is changed to represent the new scenes of Act 2. The top hat and attire match several scenes, which include the Land of Sweets with candy all over his outfit. The top hat has the Sugar Plum Fairies, Russian Dancers, Chinese Dancers and the Dance of the Flowers.
The Crochet Igloo
The igloo is part of our exhibit as a separate showcase. It represents 250 crocheters worldwide who sent us snowflakes as donations. The frame comprises Water PVC Pipes from a homemade pattern that Daniel constructed himself. There are over 3,000 crochet snowflakes on the igloo, with over 8,000 connections. It is a symbol of our global crochet community.
From the interior, it was magical, and pictures do not do it justice to the feeling you had when you were beneath the thousands of snowflakes.
Stitches
The entire structure of the Nutcrackers is made from scratch as you can see in the complete gallery. Most of the hand crochet stitch work is free-formed to match the sizing. Some of the appliques and dolls are patterns that have been altered to match the theme.
The main yarns used are Caron Simply Soft Party, Bernat Satin, Bernat Super Value, and Bernat Handicrafter Yarn by Yarnspirations.
Time & Expenses
The Nutcrackers from start to finish from the structure to the final presentation took approximately 1,150 hours giving us a labour cost of $18,000. Materials and yarn are approximately $2,000. Together as a pair, they are worth a minimum of $20,000.
Video How We Crocheted Our Nutcrackers
You can get the instructions here to build the frames for the nutcrackers. We reduced the sizing in some elements to make it more viable for our needs. Those changes are not marked on the original construction plans we used.
Final Crochet Nutcracker Photos
Ali says
So proud of all of you and your hard work! I wasn't able to see them in person, but love the pictures!
Donna says
Michael and Daniel,
What a beautiful display, I was in awe when I read this article. I had a tear in my eye because I know deep down this is what I want to do (be creative) but it’s not easy for me. You and Daniel give me such hope and inspiration knowing I can do this. On a personal level, I know have to change how my routine is at current status. Working in the same field for the past 23 years and at a position I am not happy in; I wish I could just get and quit but not an option at the moment. Knowing I have this outlet; The Crochet Crowd to come to every day and read all the wonderful articles and seeing the beautiful patterns being made, keeps my dream and goal in life alive! Thank you so much for all that you do on all levels. I also, want to say thank you to Karen and Kevin Price for their creativity too. The four of you make an awesome team.
Mikey, The Crochet Crowd says
It's difficult when you are stuck between what you want to do and what you have been doing. I was like that too. The deck of cards were shuffled and I was able to change. I am fortunate but understand also that there are many people without options too. If only life could be simpler.
Fran Thorpe says
So happy to pin this for you, Mikey, Diva Dan, and Crew! What an amazing thing you all accomplished. I would love to hear that they used the Nutcrackers and the Igloo on the set of The Nutcracker Ballet in New York. So awe inspiring!! Love, Fran Norfolk VA
Mikey, The Crochet Crowd says
Thanks so much Fran... I appreciate it.